Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "From the Heart: prose and poetry from the depths of life"

 November 24th, brings a reading from Allen James' book of poetry, From the Heart: prose and poetry from the depths of life.

TRANSFORMATION

The journey begins. Choosing a path freshly
Emblazoned, my body absorbs the new-found
Freedom and attempts to accept the infusion the
Spirit within re-ignites from years past.

My lungs inhale the Freshness which surrounds.
A crimson hued cardinal whistles from the
Towering flora and tree-frogs summon one
Another from the rippling pond beyond;

Its deep green shadows dancing in the late
Afternoon sunlight hiding from me behind
Boughs and walls of bark covered life. My stance
Faces east.

The monet-ish reflections of the surrounding
Beauty only those who accept the
Transformation are allowed to share with the
Wildlife within is interrupted by the Blue Heron's
Flight.

Magically soaring to the highest
Branch of the Cypress reaching to the dusky sky
Above, the Spirit within sighs with an ecstasy-like
Release. This is the embodiment of the Truth
Which slowly returns, filling the oceanic depths
Lying deep inside me.

Finally, Restoration is conceived.

Allen James - 2001

At the age of 40 I was fortunate to be able to embark on a wonderful journey into the deep forest of Oregon. Friends from out West knew I had been wanting to experience an "extreme" adventure. Together Pokey and Brian, who had migrated from Missouri to Oregon and were enjoying the wonders of nature had planned one such adventure for me; I was going to get to hike miles into the Mountain Lakes Wilderness in southern Oregon and climb to the tops of Mount Harriman. How special it was they had picked a place with such a connection to my own being.

Throughout this truly "extreme" hike (I had never backpacked in my life, so hiking so far with 25 pounds of my supplies on my back was a chore; I had prepared myself by taking short hikes up to Lee's Bluff close to my home with a 25 pound backpack several times), I carried a journal and recorded the events of my journey.

"Transformation" was one of poems born on this adventure; and transformed was what I was rewarded with. Breathing the clean air of the untouched wilderness opened my mind and soul to an fresh perspective. Now, at the age of 53 and three quarters, I'm am embarking on yet another transformation.  I know not what I'll be doing in a month from now career wise, I know not where I'll be living a month from now, but I do know, whatever and wherever this transformation/transition leads me, I'll be "becoming" a renewed individual due to it. 

Take the time to embark on such an adventure of your own, in whatever "quest" you have always wanted to experience. Renew the Spirit within yourself and be reborn both mentally and emotionally. I returned to Missouri with a new perspective on life and on my own abilities.

Be transformed. Keep looking up. : ) AJ